US 2003O131642A1

(19) United States

(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2003/0131642 A1
Miele et al. (43) Pub. Date: Jul. 17, 2003
(54) PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF A (30) Foreign Application Priority Data
BORON SALT AND ITS USE IN THE
AGRONOMIC FIELD Oct. 29, 2001 (IT) .............................. MI2OO1A OO2269
(76) Inventors: Sergio Miele, Larderello (IT); Enrica Publication Classification
Bargiacchi, Larderello (IT); Givseppe
Giorgis, Larderello (IT); Paolo Bonini, (51) Int. Cl." ....................................................... C05D 1/00
Larderello (IT) (52) U.S. Cl. .................................................................. 71/61
Correspondence Address: (57) ABSTRACT
James V. Costigan, Esq.
Hedman & Costigan, P.C. The present invention relates to a process for the production
Suite 2003 of potassium Octoborate hydrate which comprises the dis
1185 Avenue of the Americas Solution of boric acid and caustic potash in an aqueous
New York, NY 10036-2646 (US) solution brought to a temperature of 95 C., the drying of the
product obtained and its grinding into an amorphous pow
(21) Appl. No.: 10/274,595 der. Potassium Octoborate and its polyhydrate forms
obtained are specifically Suitable for use in the agronomic
(22) Filed: Oct. 21, 2002 field.
Patent Application Publication Jul.17, 2003 US 2003/0131642 A1

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US 2003/O131642 A1
PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF A BORON
SALT AND ITS USE IN THE AGRONOMIC FIELD
0001. The present invention relates to a process for the
production of a boron Salt and its use in the agricultural field.
0002. In particular, the present invention relates to a
potassium polyborate, Similar to a potassium tetrahydrate
Octoborate, the relative preparation proceSS and its use as an
agricultural fertilizer.
0003) Thanks to its intrinsic properties, boric acid has
found various applications both in the agricultural field as a
fertilizer and biocide and in the industrial Sector as a wood
preserver and flame-retarding agent.
0004 AS is known, boric acid can be prepared by the
acidification of easily available Sodium Salts, Such as Sodium
tetraborate pentahydrate and Sodium tetraborate decahy
drate.
0005 For example, sodium tetraborate and Sulfuric acid
are reacted in aqueous Suspension to give Sodium perborate,
a compound which, like boric acid, is applied in various
fields.
0006. In particular, in the agronomic field borates are
widely used as fertilizers as boron is a micro-element whose
presence, in reduced quantities, is essential for an adequate
nutrition of plants.
0007. It is known in fact that boron acts as a regulating
element of the carbohydrate metabolism in vegetables. For
example, the positive action is known, on Sugar beet plants
in terms of the yield to crystallizable Sucrose in Loué A.,
1994, Oligoélements en Agriculture. SCPA Na- than pages
578).
0008. Its scarcity in the soil causes a degeneration of the
meristematic tissues with a reduced plant development,
deformation in the Structure of the fruit and leaves, dryneSS
of the shoots.
0009. Another positive effect of boron also relates to the
pollination of flowers, to favour the increase of fructifica
tion. For this purpose, on many cultivations Such as apples,
olives and Vines, boron is typically applied through the
leaves before flowering, even if the traditional formulations
available for this purpose are not entirely Safe due to the
contemporaneous presence, in the boron-based compound,
of toxic elements with respect to the young floral tissues,
Such as Sodium and ammonium.
0010. It is known on the other hand that an excessive
presence of boron in the ground can be equally harmful to
the same extent as a lack of the micro-element.
0.011 The use of fertilizing products which incorporate
boron is therefore a consolidated procedure, above all for the
treatment of Sandy or calcareous earth with high pH values
or also land irrigated by drip Systems, in which the possi
bilities of developing a Scarcity of this element are higher.
0012 Polyborates or compositions based on boron and its
Salts appropriately formulated for being used in the agricul
tural field, have therefore been developed over the years.
0013 Most of the preparations based on boron of the
known type, for agricultural use are not without their draw
backs, which can mainly be attributed to a reduced solubility
in water and to a limited capacity of passing through the
Jul. 17, 2003
membranes of plants, in particular for products in which
boron is associated with calcium or other earth-alkaline
cations. In addition to this, as mentioned above, there is the
risk of phytotoxicity on the part of the cultivations when the
traditional products, carrying for example boron associated
with elements Such as Sodium, are distributed via the leaves.
In this case, in fact, in addition to the normal risk level for
the direct toxicity of boron, there is also phytotoxicity due
to the Sodium Salinity of the compound used.
0014) Among boron-based compounds for agricultural
use, Sodium Octoborate plays an important role due to its
wide diffusion and practicality of use.
0015 This compound is a boron salt commonly sold in
the form of dry powder whose use in agriculture can vary
according to Several applicative procedures.
0016. In particular, sodium octoborate tetrahydrate in
powder form is applied directly to the Soil or leaves, usually
mixed with other fertilizers as the Suggested dosage per
Surface unit is So low as to recommend its incorporation in
a Suitable matrix.
0017 Owing to the difficulties which can arise in obtain
ing a uniform dispersion of this active principle in the matrix
and as there are problems of Segregation after mixing, resort
is often made to the use of Solutions of Sodium Octoborate
tetrahydrate in manure or phyto-protective mixtures distrib
uted in the liquid State.
0018. The reduced solubility observed in the preparation
of extemporaneous Solutions of Sodium Octoborate tetrahy
drate is mainly caused by an inadequate mixing in water, in
Some cases heightened by the presence of further Substances
not highly soluble, which must be dissolved before appli
cation to the Soil.
0019. In order to improve the solubility and therefore the
phyto-availability of boron salts, formulations with an
increased solubility have therefore been produced. Another
evolution of boron-based compounds consists of prepara
tions which include polyborates associated with Surface
active agents or dissolving agents or with other additives
Such as alkanolamines and aliphatic polyamines.
0020. The use of these compositions however has its
disadvantages mainly attributable to the difficulty in cor
rectly dosing the final quantity of boron to be applied per
Surface unit.
0021. In particular, some of the most recent production
techniques of polyborates comprise the reaction of a com
pound of boric acid with one or more cyclic amines in
aqueous Solution.
0022. The resulting product however has solubility and
phyto-availability characteristics which are not entirely Sat
isfactory.
0023 The demand is currently felt for having new
polyborates in a form Substantially free from Sodium ion and
with a Sufficient Solubility for allowing easy application in
the agronomic field.
0024. One of the main objectives of the present invention
therefore consists in providing a process for producing a
polyborate which is both easy to prepare and which does not
involve high production costs.
US 2003/O131642 A1
0.025. Another objective of the invention consists in pro
ducing a polyborate which has good Solubility characteris
tics in water together with phyto-availability properties
which are Such as to make it appropriate for applications in
the agronomic field and Specifically for those effected
through the leaves.
0026. A further objective of the present invention consists
in providing a process for producing an Octoborate Substan
tially without sodium and therefore particularly suitable for
use in the agricultural industry.
0027. In view of these objectives and others which will
appear evident hereunder, in accordance with a first aspect
of the present invention, a boron-based compound is pro
Vided, in particular in Salified form, in which Said compound
is similar to a potassium Octoborate in particular in the
tetrahydrate form.
0028. According to another aspect of the invention, a
proceSS is provided for the production of potassium Octobo
rate tetrahydrate comprising the dissolution and reaction of
boric acid and caustic potash in aqueous Solution and the
drying of the product obtained from the reaction.
0029 Within the context of the process of the invention,
the caustic potash used is an aqueous Solution of potassium
hydroxide which conveniently has a concentration higher
than 25% by weight of KOH and preferably a concentration
of KOH ranging from 45-50% by weight.
0030. During the initial dissolution phase of the process,
in order to optimize the dissolution of the reagents, the
aqueous Solution is conveniently heated to a temperature at
which the reagent Species are Substantially completely dis
Solved.
0031. In particular, it has been observed that an optimum
dissolution of the reagents is obtained with temperature
values ranging from 92 to 98 C. and in particular close to
95° C.
0.032 The reagents of the process, consisting of boric
acid and caustic potash are conveniently Supplied in a high
purity form.
0.033 Following the dissolution and reaction phase, the
Solution containing the reaction product is Subjected to
drying which is conveniently effected by means of a drying
plant of the Spray dryer type which atomizes the Solution
coming from inside a drying chamber.
0034. According to an embodiment, a stream of hot air,
obtained by heating external air first with an endogenous
Vapour unit heater, then with a Lpg burner, dehydrates the
drops of Solution and sends the product obtained towards a
proceSS/product air Separation cyclone.
0035. The product obtained is then preferably subjected
to grinding in order to reduce the particle Size and increase
its Specific weight.
0036). According to an embodiment, during the drying
phase of the process, the product is partly conveyed towards
a cyclone and partly towards the bottom of the Spray dryer.
The product is then conveniently sent from both sections, by
means of two rotocells, into the pneumatic transport line
Jul. 17, 2003
towards a Second Separator cyclone and Subsequently to a
grinding mill which reduces its particle size and increases
the apparent Specific weight of the product. The product
leaving the mill is collected in the Storage Silos which feeds
a packaging line.
0037. The air streams leaving the spray dryer and pneu
matic transport line, containing Small quantities of product
in powder form, are advantageously transferred through
ventilators to the Wet Separator. The Solution, used for
Washing the Streams of air, is recovered in the tank/dissolver
for the preparation of a new batch.
0038. During the dissolution phase, it is convenient to
monitor the main process parameters, consisting of the titer
of the Solution expressed in grams/litre of HBO and KO.
0039 The evaluation of the titer of the solution is pref
erably effected each time the batch is prepared, by means of
a titration which, for example, comprises removing 50 ml of
Solution to be tested with a graduated pipette, transferring to
a 500 ml calibrated flask, washing the pipette with water.
Water is then added to regulate the Volume and Stirring is
effected to obtain a first Solution.
0040 For the determination of KO, 20 ml of this first
Solution are removed and transferred to a beaker in which
about 100 ml of water are added together with 2-3 drops of
methyl orange. Titration is then effected with HCl until the
indicator changes colour.
0041. For the determination of BO, a few drops of
phenolphthalein and a spoonful of mannite (about 8 g) or
neutral Sorbitol are added to the previously titrated Solution.
The titration is then effected with NaOH 1 N until the
indicator changes colour.
0042. The dissolution phase is preferably controlled and
Specified on operating sheets every hour.
0043. It has been verified that during the drying phase of
the process, it is convenient to monitor Some of the process
parameters and in particular:
0044 the feeding flow-rate of the solution. A suit
able value ranges from 1100 to 1500 l/h, the opti
mum value is equal to about 1300 l/h;
0045 air flow-rate in the feeding to the chamber,
conveniently within the range of 7000 to 8000 m/h
and preferably equal to 7500 m/h;
0046 temperature of the air fed to the chamber,
conveniently ranging from 400 to 470 C., prefer
ably established at about 435 C.;
0047 temperature at the outlet of the spray dryer,
with an optimum value of 141 C.;
0048 depression value inside the chamber, with an
optimum value equal to 7 mmca.
0049. In the storage phase of the process of the invention,
the apparent Specific weight of the potassium Octoborate
tetrahydrate product can conveniently vary from 0.45 to 0.75
kg/dm whereas the titer of B.O. is, for example, not less
than 61% which corresponds to about 19% of Boron.
US 2003/O131642 A1
0050. The apparent specific weight of the product based
on potassium Octoborate tetrahydrate is an indicative param
eter and within the Scope of the present invention can be
evaluated according to the following method:
0051 a graduated cylinder, for example 250 cc
made of PVC, is placed on a centesimal balance and
set to zero. The graduated cylinder is filled with the
product up to about 250 cc of volume and weighed
(net weight). The cylinder is uniformly knocked, for
example about 20 times, trying to keep the cylinder
perpendicular to the Striking Surface and contempo
raneously enclosing the cylinder in the palm of the
hand to prevent the product from Spilling. The prod
uct is levelled and the Volume read. The apparent
Specific weight is thus obtained from the ratio
between the net weight and Volume.
0052) The titer of B.O. of the product obtained with the
process of the invention is conveniently evaluated with the
titration described above.
0053. In the separation phase of the process of the
invention, a wet separator is conveniently used and the
flowrate of the Solution to be re-treated, which is fed to the
dissolver, is monitored as main parameter. The optimum
flow-rate value is about 600 l/h.
0.054 The characteristics of a potassium octoborate tet
rahydrate product prepared according to an embodiment of
the present invention will appear more evident from the
following description of an embodiment provided for purely
illustrative purposes without limiting the protective Scope
and referring to the enclosed drawings wherein:
0055 the enclosed figure represents the particle size
distribution trend of a potassium Octoborate tetrahy
drate product.
0056 With reference to the enclosed figure, two granu
lometric curves are shown, indicating the data of the various
granulometric functions in two ways: the distribution den
sity and cumulative distribution.
0057 The particle-size of the product analyzed was
effected by means of laser diffraction.
0.058. The percentage given is expressed in % volume
and the bottom Scale is of the logarithmic type in conform
ance with DIN 66141.
0059. The cumulative distribution represents the average
value of all the values registered during the analysis time for
each Single group, Subsequently added up in Sequence.
0060 For example, in the curve the percentage of product
which passes at 50 um corresponds to about 65%. In the
Same way, it can be observed that the whole product is
included below 325 um or that about 13% of the product
passes at 9 um.
0061 The density distribution represents the derivative
of the data obtained and is suitable for illustrating the way
in which the granulometric population is visually distrib
uted.
0.062 According to a preferred embodiment, the process
of the invention comprises the following Sequence:
0063 dissolution of boric acid in an aqueous solu
tion of caustic potash at a temperature at which the
chemical Species present are completely dissolved
and allow a reaction with a high yield,
Jul. 17, 2003
0064 drying of the solution prepared in the previous
phase to obtain a product based on potassium
Octoborate tetrahydrate,
0065 a grinding phase to reduce the particle size of
the product obtained and consequently produce a
potassium Octoborate tetrahydrate powder with a
greater apparent Specific Weight,
0.066 storage
9. of the pproduct in silos which feed a
packaging line of the product.
0067. According to another aspect of the present inven
tion, the use of potassium Octoborate tetrahydrate is pro
Vided in the agronomic field, in particular as fertilizer to
optimize the metabolism of plants/Seedlings.
0068 According to another aspect of the present inven
tion a fertilizing composition is provided, comprising an
agronomically effective quantity of potassium Octoborate
tetrahydrate associated with an agronomically acceptable
carrier.
0069. The composition based on potassium octoborate
tetrahydrate can be applied, in Solid form or as an aqueous
Solution, directly to the plants, for example by Spraying or
fert-irrigation of the Soil.
0070 The following examples are provided for illustra
tive purposes only of the present invention and should in no
way be considered as limiting the Scope of the present
invention which is defined by the enclosed claims.
EXAMPLE 1.
0071. The batch is prepared by feeding a dissolver with
7000 litres of water and bringing it to a temperature of about
95° C. 1300 litres of a solution at 48% of potash are
Subsequently added, followed by 4000 kg of boric acid until
the final solution is obtained with a titer of KO of 60 g/land
a titer of HBO of 320 g/l and a ratio between HBO and
KO equal to 5.3.
0072 The reagents are then fed to the dissolver within a
maximum time range of two hours and the addition is
effected so that the temperature is never lower than 95 C.
0073. When the batch is ready, the solution is fed to a
drying plant of the spray dryer type with a flow-rate of 1300
l/h and a temperature of 95°C. The atomized solution is put
in contact with 7500 m/h of air at 435° C.
0074 The stream of air at the outlet of the spray dryer has
a temperature of about 140 C.
0075) Every two hours the titer of the solution being fed
to the spray dryer is controlled and 100-200 l/h of water are
added to prevent the formation of concentration phenomena
which would alter the titer.
0076 Downstream of the spray dryer the potassium
Octoborate tetrahydrate obtained is ground and Subsequently
Stored in Silos.
0077. The hourly production of the production plant
under regime conditions is about 350 kg/h of dried product.
US 2003/O131642 A1 Jul. 17, 2003

EXAMPLE 2 0083) 4) 2.5+2.5 kg/ha of the product of EXAMPLE 2

distributed in two treatments through the leaves at the
phases of 8 and 16 beet leaves.
0078. A product similar to potassium Octoborate in the 0084 5) 2.5+2.5 kg/ha of sodium octoborate distrib
form of a white amorphous powder, produced with the uted in a treatment to the Soil, immediately after the
process of Example 1 is collected and Subjected to chemical Sowing of beet, and a treatment through the leaves at
analysis with the following results: the phase of 16 leaves of the same beet.
0085 6) 2.5+2.5 kg/ha of the product of EXAMPLE 2
distributed in a treatment to the Soil, immediately after
Characteristic Measurement unit Value the Sowing of beet, and a treatment through the leaves
at the phase of 16 leaves of the same beet.
BO weight % 61.0-64.85 0086) The effect of the treatment was followed by deter
KO weight % 20.0-21.4 mining the percentage content of boron in the vegetable
cryst. HO weight % 19.0-13.75 tissues of the leaves (YMB=Young Mature Blade) at the
BO/KO ratio 3.05-3.03 phases of 12 and 24 leaves of the cultivation and registering
Apparent density Kg/dm O.5-0.7 the main productive parameters (root yield, polarimetric
Particle size weight % as per FIG. 1 degree, Sucrose production, content of alpha-aminic nitro
pH (Aqueous. sol. 25 C.) 8.65 (1% conc. sol.) gen, potassium and Sodium in the extraction juices, elements
8.49 (2% conc. sol.) which reduce the crystallization of Sugar and consequently
8.17 (5% conc. sol.) the industrial yield) and Dense Juice Purity which is
Solub. in HO (33° C) g prod.fl. Solut. -61 calculated with the empirical formula PSD=99.36-0.1427
(K+Na+alphaN) 100/Polarization). The results are indicated
in the following Table.

B mg/kg S.S. ALPHA

YMB ROOTS SUCROSE N K Na PSD

Blank 1O 9 51.1 14.8 7.5 2.86 4.68 2.69 89.46

Treat. 16 15 54.7 16.8 9.2 2.39 3.45 2.19 92.54
Treat. 13 15 54.O 16.7 9.O 2.37 3.64 2.4O 92.19
Treat. 15 16 56.4 16.6 9.4 2.21 3.81 2.15 92.34
Treat. 16 15 52.9 16.4 8.7 2.48 3.65 2.36 91.97
Treat. 6 17 17 54.8 16.8 9.2 2.34 3.84 2.18 92.25
DEV. ST 2.8 3.0 3.4 1.O O.8 O.25 0.57 0.22 1.16
LSDP 0.05 1.1 1.2 1.4 0.4 O.3 O.10 O.23 O.09 O46
LSDP O.O1 1.5 1.6 1.8 0.5 0.4 O.13 O.30 O.11 O.61

EXAMPLE 3 0087. From what is indicated above, it can be deduced

0079 The product, according to Example 2, was used as
a comparison with traditional Sodium Octoborate, in a boric
manure test of Sugar beet (random block with 4 replications),
effected under the control of the Agronomy Department and
Agro-ecosystem Management of the University of Pisa at
the experimental Centre of the Region of Tuscany. The items
compared are the following:
0080 1) non-treated Blank;
0081) 2) 5 kg/ha of sodium Octoborate distributed in a
Single treatment onto the Soil after the Sowing of beet.
0082 3) 2.5+2.5 kg/ha of sodium Octoborate distrib
uted in two treatments through the leaves at the phases
of 8 and 16 beet leaves.
that in the applications effected through the leaves (treat
ment 4 and 6) the product of EXAMPLE 2 gives a concen
tration of boron equal to or significantly higher than Sodium
Octoborate. The root yield and the production per hectare of
sucrose are higher with the product of EXAMPLE 2 with
respect to Sodium Octoborate with an equivalent procedure
(compare treat. 3-4 and 5-6), but are not different compared
with the sodium Octoborate distributed onto the soil (com
pare treat. 2-4 and 2-6). The treatments which comprise
application through the leaves of Sodium Octoborate nega
tively influence the sodium content of the root, but there are
no definite negative effects on the part of PSD. In short, for
applications through the leaves, the product of EXAMPLE
2 has better characteristics than the reference Standard,
Sodium Octoborate, with the same applicative procedure.
US 2003/O131642 A1 Jul. 17, 2003

EXAMPLE 4 0099. At crop technological maturation stage, on Aug.

0088 Boron Fertilization-Field Experiment on Sugar 20, 2002, on an area of 5.1 mi (1.35x3.78 m, equal to 51
Beet plants mi) the following parameters were determined:
0089 Target of the Experiment 01.00 Root yield
0090 This research is aimed at investigating different 0101 Leaf Canopy yield
Boron fertilization programs, based on a reference product 0102) Theoretical and effective polarization
(Sodium Octoborate=ONa) and a product according to the
present invention: Potassium octoborate=OKThe treatments 0.103 Molasse concentration
were the following:
0104 Molasse element (alfa-amino Nitrogen, Na, K)
0.091 Control, unfertilized with Boron (0 kg/ha concentrations
Boron);
0105) Juice Alkalinity coefficient
0092) Soil applied Boron at crop pre-emergence (2.5
kg/ha ONa) followed by a foliar application (2.5 kg/ha 0106) Juice purity
OK) at crop 16-leaf stage. 01.07 Results
0093. Foliar applied Boron (2.5 kg/ha OK at each 0108. The treatments consisting in soil applied Boron at
treatment) at crop 8- and 16-leaf stages; crop pre-emergence (2.5 kg/ha ONa), followed by a foliar
0094) Foliar applied Boron (2.5 kg/ha ONa at each application (2.5 kg/ha OK) at crop 16-leaf stage, gave the
treatment) at crop 8- and 16-leaf stages. highest root yield (69.3 tha'), which is 7.5% more than the
0.095 Materials and Methods
control (Tab. 2002-2).
0096. This experiment was carried out at Cesa (AR) in TABLE 2002-2
the Farm Experiment Station of the Tuscany’s Agency for Production parameters
Agriculture Development (ARSIA). Crop was Sugar beet cv
“Riace”. Crop was planted on the row cm (crop density: 10 Root Foliar Canopy
plants mi). Yield Yield Total Biomass
TREATMENTS tha' (Fresh Matter)
0097. A 4- on Mar. 12, 2002, with an interrow of 45-cm Control 64.5 b 32.8 97.4
and 22.2 cm-spacement replicated randomized experimental ONa pre-emergence + 69.3 a 36.4 105.7
block design was used, with 9.45 mi (1.35x700 m) plots. OK (16 leaf)
Foliar ONa (8 + 16-leaf) 66.0 ab 36.5 102.5
0.098 Preceding crop, soil tillage and fertilization, and Foliar OK (8 + 16-leaf) 66.6 ab 33.4 99.9
crop protection treatments are indicated in Table 2002-1:
TABLE 2002-1
0109 The experiment was characterized by very low
Cropping conditions technological characters of the roots, with field means, for
Rate Date polarization and PSD, of 11.85 and 88,11, resp. This behav
Preceding crop Wheat
ior was related to the anomalous climatic conditions, which
Soil tillage Ripping Jul. 23, 2001 penalized uniformly all the treatments under Study, giving
Plowing Oct. 19, 2001 origin to no significant differences among the observed
Disking Dec. 6, 2001
Rotative tillage Feb. 13, 2002 characters (Tab. 2002-3).
Pre-plant Triple Super Q1/ha 2.20 Feb. 13, 2002
fertilization phosphate TABLE 2002-3
Potassium Sulphate Q1/ha 2.00
Urea O1?ha 1.75 Quality parameters
Pre-emerg. Treat. See Treatment Mar. 22, 2002
Crop 8-leaf treatm. Scheme Apr. 30, 2002 Theor Eff
Crop 16-leaf treatm. May 22, 2002 TREAT Pol. POI K Na N
Sidedress fertiliza- Ca-Ammonium Kg/ha 150 May 2, 2002 MENTS S PSD med/100g polpa CAk Mol
tion Nitrate
Weed Control Pyramin DF Kg/ha 2,000 Mar. 13, 2002 Control 12.03 9.81 88.38 3.04 3.3 2.89 2.2 2.22
Goltix Kg/ha 2,000 ONa pre- 12 9.7O 88.24 3.06 3.45 2.86 2.28 2.28
Dual Vegoil L/ha O.300 emerg. + OK
Soil insecticide Marshal Kg?ha 12 Mar. 12, 2002 (16 leaf)
at crop planting Foliarf ONa 11.79 9.47 87.91 2.98 3.63 2.87 2.31 2.31
Crop emergence Mar. 25, 2002 (8 + 16-leaf)
Crop protectant Karate DF kg/hl 0.080 Jun. 3, 2002 Foliarf OK 11.88 9.55 88.2O 3.01 3.65 2.65 2.6 2.33
treatml. Spyrale I?ha O.700 Jul. 9, 2002 (8 + 16-leaf)
US 2003/O131642 A1 Jul. 17, 2003

0110 For the above reason, theoretical and effective 5. The process according to any of the previous claims
Saccharose yields followed the same pattern of root yield 2-4, characterized in that it comprises the reaction of 320+/-
(Tab. 2002-4). 10 g/l of HBO with 60+/-10 g/l of K.O.
6. The process according to any of the previous claims
TABLE 2002-4 2-5, characterized in that Said drying phase comprises the
Theoretical and effective Saccharose yield drying by atomization of Said Solution.
Theoretical Effective
7. The process according to any of the previous claims
Saccharose Saccharose 2-6, characterized in that Said drying phase takes place by
TREATMENTS tha' means of a spray-dryer.
Control 7.77 b 6.34 b 8. The process according to claim 7, characterized in that
ONa pre-emergence + 8.29 a 6.71 a said spray-dryer is fed with a flow-rate of the solution
OK (16 leaf) ranging from 1200-1400 l/h.
Foliar ONa (8 + 16-leaf) 7.78 b 6.26 b
Foliar OK (8 + 16-leaf) 7.89 ab 6.33 b 9. The process according to any of the previous claims 7
or 8, characterized in that the Solution atomized by means of
a Spray dryer is in contact with a quantity of air ranging from
0111 Discussion 6500 to 8500 m/h of air.
0112 A combined treatment of soil applied, crop pre 10. The process according to claims 7-9, characterized in
emergence, ONa, followed by foliar applied OK at crop that the process air of Said spray dryer has a temperature
1.6-leaf Stage, gave the highest Sugar yield. Foliar applied ranging from 400 to 470 C.
OK showed a trend to a better yield than ONa, at the same 11. The process according to claims 7-10, characterized in
rate and application mode. that the Stream of air at the outlet of Said spray dryer has a
temperature ranging from 130-150° C.
0113 Conclusions 12. The process according to any of the previous claims
0114. An interaction between year and application mode, 2-11, characterized in that it comprises a final grinding phase
which is able to give the maximum Saccharose yield, was of the product obtained.
observed over the years. However, OK, applied as a double 13. The process according to any of the previous claims
foliar treatment or a foliar treatment in Sequence to a crop 2-12, characterized in that it comprises a separation phase of
pre-emergence Soil application, permitted to cope Success the powders present in the process air, necessary for the
fully with the climate variability affecting product perfor drying phase.
CC.
14. A fertilizing composition comprising an agronomi
1. A boron-based compound characterized in that it is cally effective quantity of potassium Octoborate tetrahydrate
based on potassium Octoborate tetrahydrate. asSociated with an agronomically acceptable carrier.
2. A process for the production of potassium Octoborate 15. The use of potassium Octoborate tetrahydrate in agri
tetrahydrate comprising a dissolution phase and reaction of culture as a fertilizing agent for the Soil or cultivations.
boric acid with caustic potash in aqueous Solution and a 16. The use according to claim 15, comprising the appli
drying phase of the product obtained from the reaction. cation of a quantity of potassium Octoborate tetrahydrate
3. The process according to claim 2, characterized in that ranging from 1-10 kg per hectare of land.
Said dissolution is carried out at a temperature of the aqueous
Solution at which the reacting chemical Species are com 17. The use of potassium Octoborate or its polyhydrate
pletely dissolved. forms according to claims 15 or 16 mixed with a sodium
4. The process according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in borate.
that the temperature of Said aqueous Solution is within the
range of 92-98 C.